Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre Proudly Presents a World-Premiere “Always Something There”
Summertime at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort promises Fun Fun Fun. Lake County’s most luxurious resort and theater has gone all out for its Fifty-Year Golden Jubilee by staging a coordinated dining/theater experience. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre proudly presents the world premiere of a hot summer jukebox musical comedy by one of the most produced American playwrights, who is also an actress and director, Sandy Rustin. Her plays include Clue, The Cottage, The Suffragette’s Murder, Struck, Elijah, Everything Seems Like Maybe, and now, Always Something There.... She is an original Chicagoan native spending most of her formative years in the North Shore Glenview suburb, twenty miles north of the Loop.
She transports us back to her nostalgic 1980s with pop music by Whitney Houston, Madonna, Culture Club, Naked Eyes, The Go-Go’s, and Tiffany. We are brought back to a wistful remembrance of eighties trends, including retro bouffant hairstyles, shoulder pads, high-waisted baggy pants, leg warmers, coveted Cabbage Patch Kids, Swatch watches, Walkmans, Rubik’s Cubes, and The Goonies. Her storyline is reminiscent of the immensely popular box office hits, such as John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale’s Back to the Future, and Peggy Sue Got Married, written by the husband-and-wife team of Jerry Leichting and Arlene Sarner.
Director James Vasquez delivers a fresh twist on time travel with this vibrant, playful musical. Geoffrey Ko’s arrangements and orchestration are electrifying. Tyler Hanes’s choreography expertly captures the essence of the ’80s. Orchestra Conductor/Keyboardist Chicagoan Cecelia Villacres superbly envelops the audience with an ’80s pop music vibe. Colette Pollard’s scenic design is clean, simple, and imaginative. Jesse Klug’s lighting is a star of the show. Costume Designer Amanda Vander BYL nailed the 1980s look with panache.
Our Chicago favorite actress, and Jeff Award-winning, Heidi Kettering, portrays forty-five-year-old Samantha Craig, who wakes up on her birthday to find herself reliving her eighteen-year-old life in suburban Chicago circa 1989. Armed with the wisdom that comes with age and experience, she has a golden opportunity to reshape her life circumstances and choices. Christina Priestner is teen Samantha Craig who can rekindle friendships, find her inner strength, grace, and perhaps discover true lasting love. The dynamic duos’ harmonies are exceedingly beautiful. Marriott Theatre calls ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE..., a world premiere musical mixtape promising a fun and relatable experience for theater audiences of all ages. On press night, the audience was enthusiastically appreciative of this show. It is a love letter to second chances, self-discovery, and the power of music to heal the soul.
Emma Ogea’s character is Camelia Shacklebaum. She is a strong, talented, supporting actress. Ian Coursey is Cooper Roy. He has a terrific voice. His harmonies with Priestner are captivating. Ty Shay is Johnny Stevens. He plays the narcissistic dumb jock boyfriend to the hilt. Matthew Hommel is Winston Lee. His physical comedic prowess is outstanding. Leah Morrow’s multiple roles include Samantha Craig’s Mom, a hotel clerk, Senora Jackson, as well as a member of the ensemble. She is a delight. Her bedazzled jeans and shoes were an audience fave, as evidenced by their roaring laughter. Handsome Jeremiah James is Adult Cooper Roy, Battle of the Bands Singer, Lobby Band Singer, and ensemble cast member. The whole cast is magnificently talented in singing, dancing, and performing. Genevie Corkery is impressive as the quirky Debbie Waller. She is also a member of the ensemble. Gabriel Subervi is Hobbs Totonchi. Yoni Haller is Duckie Melber. Anna Louise Bramlett is Ella Menken. Tiyanna Gentry is Scarlett Walton. Logan Becker is Gavin Louis, another actor who has great moves. Other ensemble members are Alejandro Medina, Cristina Benninghoff Uribe (Lacy), and Emma Ogea. After a resounding standing ovation, the audience left the theater, gleefully dancing to the lobby.
